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Saturday, March 10, 2012

crazy mom quilts: one way to knit a rag rug

First off, thanks to all of you who left such kind comments on my book. They are all so very appreciated!

Also, thanks to all of you who loved my rug! Here's a little tutorial so you can make your own!

Collect (or cut) strips of fabric. The fabric widths can vary quite a bit, but anywhere from 1/2" to 1" is ideal. I use selvages-both the pretty and not so pretty ones-and skinny strings. The more color the better!

Knot the strings end to end. I do this on the go, so the "yarn" doesn't get tangled. Use two strings held together as one "yarn" throughout. Using size 35 needles, cast on 38 stitches (or as many as you can fit on your needle). Knit in garter stitch until you reach the desired length of your rug. This will require a bit of wrestling from time to time. :) Bind off using a stretchy bind off technique. Then enjoy the wonderful texture!

**Just a note about my flickr groups...In order to simplify things a bit, I've decided to merge my "quilt a long" and "inspired by crazymomquilts" group into one big happy group. PLEASE feel free to share any projects you've made inspired by my tutorials, quilt alongs, classes or patterns there. I'd love to see what you are making!

I'm about halfway through your gook and LOVE it! I love the rug. I have been saving my selvedges for Cindy, but guess what....she's not getting them know. I have to try this rug! I'll make sure to add my photo when it's done. It will take me a while to get around to it, though. :-)

thanks! I just love this rug and look forward to making my own. So if I read this right you used two strips as if it was one piece of yarn. I will be buying the needles today and giving this a try.I saw the needles at the craft store but was concerned the length of them would not be long enough but i guess wrestling makes it work!!thanks againKathie

if you can't knit, go on tutorials and find help...or find a lady in your church, or get the idiot's guide book. All have helped me a lot. Great rug, now I have rug envy..I might just have to get one of these awesome books for my birthday present to myself!!congrats!!

what an inspiration you are! love this rug. i'm going to give it a try. i'm new to your blog, but came here via crafts.com just saw your book and fell in love with it. i ordered it today. can't wait for it to arrive.

I teach 3rd graders to knit, and they make their own needles from dowels. And my demonstration needles are 1" diameter dowels, with larger wood screwed into one end. Sanded on an electric belt sander to make points... What diameter would 35's be? I can't imagine you have to be precise!!

I just found your blog and love it! I am not a knitter, but I've been wanting to make one of these rugs. I've been cutting up my strips into small enough widths and found a great you tube video on how to make the casting stitch and the basic garter stitch. All I need is the needles and I am ready to go. I also posted a link to your site in my blog. Thanks!!!

Hi, I'm new to your blog. My favourite crafts are patchwork and quilting so I have endless strips of fabric and I just can't throw anything away! I also like to crochet and knit so this is a perfect project for me. I love your join as you go method. I'm definitely going to try this and just pick it up as and when the strips appear after some sewing :) Thanks for this. Maggie xx

I have been wanting to make one of these, and now, here you are with the tutorial on it. Now to get my fabric all cut. I am wanting to make one a tad bigger than yours. One to go in front of our fireplace hearth. We live in a house that looks like an old farm house. This will be perfect! Thank you so much!

Love your rug! I am a self taught knitter via book and have to give this a try. I am not a sewer so could you give me an idea of what type and how much material to buy based on your size indicated above?Thanks!!Kelly